Shopping

I have not played chess since I was last snowed in during a heavy storm in Evergreen, Colorado. But Czech mate or not, this country, formerly Czechoslovakia, became the Czech Republic after the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989. The Communists were ousted, allowing democratic rule and a true market economy to begin on January 1, 1993. The Velvet Divorce created the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Czech joined NATO in 1999, and the European Union in 2004.

Why do tourists love to visit the Czech Republic? Obviously, the beer, always ranked the best in the world, according to serious beer drinkers. The invented (in 1118) the best beer in the world, and continue to reinvent beer through its innovative microbreweries. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have been famous for producing some of the world’s finest brews. But the internationally famous brand names – Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar – have been equaled, and even surpassed, by a bunch of regional Czech beers and microbreweries that are catering to a renewed interest in traditional brewing. Never before have Czech pubs offered such a wide range of ales.

But what about the country itself? They prefer to call themselves Czechia now. They are bordered by Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. The total land area is almost 79,000 square Km, slightly smaller than South Carolina. Agricultural land is 55% of the country with 35% forested. The population runs just under 11 million, with ethnic Czechs making up 65%, but many claim partial German ancestry. Czech and Slovak languages are mutually intelligible.

Czech is also the official language. The currency is not the Euro but the Czech crown (koruna), about 26 for each USD. Only 19% of Czechs believe in God, about 65% are agnostics. The most popular sport is ice hockey, which may explain the religion. Yet the literacy rate is 99%. It is the second richest country in eastern Europe after tiny Slovenia.

The chief of state is the President, Milos Zeman. The head of government is the Prime Minister, Bohuslav Sobotka. It is a parliamentary republic, since the death of Communism. Citizenship is not by birth but whether at least one parent is a Czech. Maybe we ought to consider that? Prague was the only major city in Europe that was not bombed during WW2.

Remarkably, the auto industry is bigger than the beer industry, with over a million cars produced annually since 2010. The GDP is roughly $351 billion. Their main agricultural products are what, potatoes, sugar beets, hops (of course), fruit, and farm animals. Tourism rates highly too! The country is famous for its many spa towns.

I will let you read about the dark and dreary days of this country, both prior to Communism, as well as during it. But there have been some remarkable people from Czechia, such as Martina Navratilova, Ivan Lendl. Gustav Mahler, Franz Kafka, Alphonse Mucha, Antonin Dvorak, Milos Forman, Gregor Mendel, Sigmund Freud, Tom Stoppard, Vaclav Havel, and Emil Zatopek. Otto Wichterle, a Czech, invented soft contact lenses in 1959. The sugar cube was invented here in 1843.

Czech food is hearty, meaning heavy and fatty. But the best part of dinner is the great beer. Lunch is the main meal of the day, with three courses. It always begin with hot soup and bread, followed by a meat and side dish, then topped with a vegetable salad or a sweet treat and coffee. Czechs loves their sweets!

But getting back to beer, Czechs are the heaviest drinkers in the world at 160 liters per capita per year. Real Czech beer is served only on tap, never from a bottle. Most beer contains about 4-5% alcohol. Czech lager is strong, hoppy, and almost bitter. They do well with their heavy meals. And much like Guinness, it has a thick head on top of it. And it must be cold!

Waiters do not wait until you are done with a glass before placing the next one in front of you. Nobody should sit in a Czech pub with an empty glass!

The only thing Czechs love more than eating mushrooms, is hunting for them. If town is empty on St Vaclav Day, it’s because everyone’s funghi picking in the forest. Being bohemian isn’t just Czechs being cool, it’s their heritage. This area was once the Kingdom of Bohemia. The word robot was made famous in a play by Czech, Karl Capek. His brother, Josef, was the one who made it up.

Well, there you have it, three days here, and hopefully, I can add to this phantasmagoria of trivia and useless information!

Perhaps one of the most unique and enjoyable small college towns is Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, and numerous athletes in training. I have had the good fortune to visit and stay many times in the past, primarily for business, but also for après ski and to play tennis. It ranks up there with many of the cutest little college towns, and perhaps the most charming in the western United States. A bonus is the famous Pearl Street Mall, a magnet for students, shoppers, runners, cyclists, people watchers, and street performers.

Outside Magazine rated Boulder the number one sports town in America. I would rank it almost as high as Queenstown, New Zealand. With the Rocky Mountains as a backyard, Boulder offers hiking, cycling, and climbing, along with skiing and boarding during the winter. Add the Boulder nightlife, and the reasons for never leaving Boulder after graduation come to light.

Boulder has over 300 miles of hiking and cycling trails and 45,000 acres of open space. Add in hot air balloons, rafting or kayaking through the center of town, fly fishing, and golf. Sounds like paradise to me!

Founded in 1858 by gold seekers, the Chautauqua came along in 1898. True to the nature of their founders and the spirit of the region, Boulder is often called, “The People’s Republic of Boulder.” The University of Colorado was founded in 1877, and likewise continued the spirit of free thinking with the nickname, “Athens of the West.” Recently, the Naropa Institute, founded by Tibetan Buddhists, opened in 1974, adding an even more progressive educational element to the Boulder scene.

Boulder is also known for its cultural creativity as well. It was voted one of the Top 25 Small Cities for Art, but American Style magazine. Several national laboratories and high tech companies have also moved into the area to tap the atmosphere of entrenuership, free-thinking, and innovation. Boulder is rather proud of their collective IQ!

But for me, Boulder’s initial attraction was the college town party atmosphere, and plethora of energetic coeds ready to dance the night away. Places like the West End Tavern, Walnut Brewery, Bitter Bar, and Salt seem to come alive around 10 or 11pm. The place I remember from the 70s was Bananas, back then a rather hip and exotically decorated body bar or meat market.

A must stay for Boulder is the famous and iconic Hotel Boulderado, founded in 1909. With a magnificent lobby, and 160 guest rooms, the Boulderado is in the heart of the downtown action. During business meetings there, it was so tempting to sneak out and just people watch on the Mall on a sunny afternoon. Of course, cocktail time on the Boulderado veranda was unmatched for viewing the activity below. Among its many famous guests were Robert Frost (my favorite poet), Helen Keller, Billy Sunday, Enos Mills, Franklin Roosevelt, and Ethel Barrymore.

With a population around 100,00 people, Boulder and the University were prime attractions for the hippies of the 1960s. The Southern Arapahoe tribe wintered at the base of the Rocky Mountains near Boulder. Gold, silver, and coal mining brought the first wave of immigrants and settlers.

Today, Boulder’s population is younger than the national average with a median of 29 years, versus 35 years for the country. Per capita income is around $32,000 (household income is $50,000) making Boulder is one of the most affluent cities in Colorado. Some more reasons to like Boulder:

I rest my case. You must visit next time you come out here to ski, hike, bike, or chill.

My plane ride from Oak-town to Denver was short and sweet, as I was upgraded, and sat next to an Anthony Bourdain look alike. I drove to Boulder before checking into my hotel and browsing the 16th Street Mall. My hotel is way too hip for me. The Jet Hotel’s entire lobby is a bar with blaring DJ music, and a line of wanna-babes, and dudes standing in line to get in. Yours truly just walks up to Marty, the head honcho. He shakes my hand and lets me in. Eat your hearts out, you little hot hard bodies!!!

Fast forward to 2017, here I am. And it still has the charm that it always has. Boulder is a great place to visit!

How many times have you been to San Diego, often called America’s city? I once had an office down here, in Mission Valley, back in the 70s. But I really never had much time to explore the area, as I do now. Back in the day, we took the kids to Sea World and the world famous San Diego Zoo. And I have made numerous golfing trips down here to famous Torrey Pines. My youngest sister lived here and graduated from San Diego State back in the 70s. And my other sister raised her family here during their boys’ high school days.

But now, we visit during the summer, when the Giants are in town. Though our Giants are tanking, San Diego still retains its charm for us. First, the weather is great! Second, we have dear friends here. And third, we can always find something fun to see or do. Making matters infinitely more interesting is bringing our new puppy, Lexi to San Diego on a car trip for the first time.

Here are a few more “dirty dozen” ideas:

The world’s largest lemon can be found in the city of Lemon Grove.

Go to Crazeeburger for a burger made of alligator, antelope, or kangaroo.

Visit Potato Chip Rock at Mount Woodson.

The Scripps Turd Sculpture. Really?

Visit Dog Beach, in Coronado or Ocean Beach. We plan to go.

Eat a Baja fish taco. Among many tacos.

Eat a California Burrito, stuffed with French fries and carne asada.

Find the old San Diego chicken.

Hang out with the old hippies at Café 21.

Buy some used books at the Adams Avenue Bookstore.

Eat some shabu shabu on Convoy Street at the Shabu Shabu House.

Rent a bike at Ray’s and cruise the beach.

I find it really sad that the Chargers have left San Diego. They once had an NBA team here as well. The Buffalo Braves arrived here in 1978, and became the San Diego Clippers. They moved to Los Angeles in 1984 (curious?). Now, they are left with the lowly San Diego Padres, who are just a step above our even lowlier Giants this year. Matters not, I am a fan and will enjoy the games anyway.

The San Diego Trolley is a great way to get around town, especially to Petco Park on game days. Normally, I take the trolley from our hotel in Old Town to the Gaslamp and Petco Park stop. The senior fare is only $1.25 each way. And many times, the Giants fans outnumber the Padres fans.

Secret beer place: Inside Krisp Beverages and Natural Foods, a health food market carrying kombucha and chia seeds, is an under-the-radar beer heaven. The Best Damn Beer Shop is a dedicated area showcasing more than 1,000 craft brews, as well as homebrew supplies. 1036 Seventh Avenue, downtown.

If and when you cross the border to Tijuana, please remember your passport. The old days of using your California Driver’s License are over. One more thing, don’t drink the water!!! Many people go south of the border to buy prescription drugs at a big discount. Just be careful of the food and water. And a note from your Mother will not help.

For those of you who like to sunbathe in the nude, Black’s Beach is still there. Just remember, it is a tough hike down the cliffs to get there. So, get in shape or buy a good pair of binoculars. I much prefer the beaches on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain to view topless sunbathing.

For a city of almost a million and a half, San Diego seems manageable. But it is the second largest city on California. They seem to deserve their reputation of laid back and cool. Perhaps their proximity to Mexico has evolved into Lucha Libre, the masked and costumed Mexican wrestlers.

San Diego’s answer to the Ferry Building (SF) and Oxbow Market (Napa) is the Liberty Public Market. The collection here includes the food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar Stuffed, which serves up fast-casual grass-fed beef burgers stuffed with cheese; a branch of WestBean Coffee Roasters, which serves a fantastically creamy nitro coffee; and the wine bar Grape Smuggler, which offers tapas and flights (and a nice place to grab a seat away from the crowds). Gather your snacks and grab one of the high stools at the back of the market to chow down.

Proudly dog- friendly since it was founded in 1959 (they even have a blog written by a dog named Scooter extolling their friendly virtues), Del Mar, near San Diego, extends a friendly paw to dogs and owners, with pets allowed on all two miles of shoreline nine months of the year, and all year on North Beach, usually referred to as ‘Dog Beach’ by local pet owners. This pup friendly seaside locale can be found north of 29th Street, stretching up to the border of Solana Beach. Dogs can be off leash and under ‘voice command’ from Labor Day through Memorial Day, and on leash during the busy summer months.

We love both the seafood down here, as well as the Mexican food, two of our favorites. Sushi bars are also pretty good down here. We may meet up for a meal with friends, relatives who are also visiting here, or both. Perhaps it is the vibe down here, along with the great weather?

I know the Nifty Fifty Club has only a few members among my readers. The Barnes couple have done all fifty, and many of you have achieved well into the forties, like Denise, Susie, Sandy, Denny, Maria, and others. I saw this story today, and thought it would be interesting to get someone else’s take on the idea.

From reporter, Trevor Hughes: “The rules of my visits were pretty simple: I couldn’t count a simple drive through or airport stop. Instead, I had to either sleep there, visit some sort of monument or point or interest, and, if possible, eat and drink something local. From cheese curds to Navajo tacos and lobster rolls to reindeer sausages, loco mocos (Google them!), pierogis and lots and lots of pizza, I’ve eaten my way around our great country. I’ve camped out under the stars, crashed on friend’s couches and slept in the back of my car more times than I can count. I’ve drunk chili beer and locally made wine and fresh-pressed cider and eaten an awful lot of baked goods.”

And like myself, “Years of travel around our country (on business) have brought me to nearly every state. On this day, I set foot in the last one on my list, Wisconsin.” My last state was Michigan, where I stayed overnight in Ann Arbor. I arrived with great fanfare by myself on Amtrak from Chicago. I had a bottle of Champagne at dinner that night, after trapesing around the University of Michigan campus all afternoon. I was rather disappointed the mayor of Ann Arbor, or Governor of Michigan was not there to greet me!

Hughes again: “But three states eluded me for years, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and I finally persuaded by bosses to send me on assignment to Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota. From Grand Forks, I walked across a bridge into Minnesota.” My last dozen or so states were on my own dime, no business travel or reimbursement. But interestingly, North Dakota, and Minnesota were among my last states. So were Kansas, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia.

Like many of you, I did not set out to do this, as it was never a goal when I was traveling on business through the late 70s and 80s. But when I retired about 8 years ago, I realized I was very close. I had a few golf buddies who were “stuck” at 48, never having been to the two most remote states, Hawaii and Alaska.

So, in between overseas trips, I decided to complete the Nifty Fifty, if it fit into my overall travel plans. I visited the remaining eastern states while on a trip to Washington, DC to see friends. The Dakotas were checked off on a trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Kansas turned out to be a gem, as Kansas City has great barbecue, the Negro Baseball Museum, and a charm all of its own. Minnesota was a visit that included the Great Mall, and dinner at a James Beard winner, and a concert.

I never counted a state if I changed planes at a airport in that state. Unlike the reporter, I paid for these last trips out of my own pocket. I had to set foot in the state, and buy a fridge magnet for my collection away from the airport, at a minimum. But I had no rules regarding overnight stay, or a meal. I made it to Michigan in 2014, just a month before leaving for Russia and the Trans Siberian Railway.

I would love to hear your stories, particularly if you are getting close. When you reach the Nifty Fifty Club, I will buy you a glass of champagne!!! The only catch, of course, is that you must visit me!

One of our favorite places to visit when we lived in the Bay Area was Carmel. Now that we live in the great Central Valley, it is somewhat closer to drive over to the Pismo/Morro Bay/San Luis Obispo areas. But the charm, shopping, dining, and ocean views of Carmel entice us back, again and again.

When traveling around the world, many people mention both the Napa Valley and the Carmel-Monterey area as places they would love to visit. And fortunately, we get to do both, whenever we want!

You know the story, we spent part of our honeymoon here back in 1995. And shortly after, I started working a few hours a month at Pebble Beach. They were quite generous, giving us an apartment for overnight stays, and meals at the company cafeteria. And the drive to and from work was on Seventeen Mile Drive. But the real kicker was FREE golf at Pebble and Spyglass!!!

But we just love the Monterey Peninsula area, Seventeen Mile Drive, a few old friends, shopping, dining out at a few local favorites, and just relaxing. I plan to bring my bicycle for a few coastal rides, as Lexi will be at Elaine’s Pet Resort. The best trail runs from the Monterey Wharf out to Lover’s Point. From there, just follow the coast until reaching Seventeen Mile Drive, which will take you all the way to the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

I can tell you many stories about this area, but you undoubtedly heard them before. Suffice it to say that the ghost of Steinbeck still haunts most areas, and locals like Dirty Harry still garner too much attention. Back in the day, I had many famous patients, like Alan Shepherd, John Henry Deutchendorf, Jack Lemmon, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.

Sidebar: Speaking of John Steinbeck, did you know he was born just 30 miles from Monterey’s Cannery Row in the Salinas area? He won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize for Grapes of Wrath, and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962. Seventeen of his works were made into Hollywood movies. He actually attended Stanford, which might explain some of his eccentricity. He and his first wife actually lived in Pacific Grove next to Cannery Row, where he gathered much of his inspiration and information. He died in 1968 in New York City, but his ashes are in a Salinas cemetery.

We have a few places that we like to visit. For breakfast, Toasties (seafood Benedict) in PG. For dinner, Peppers (corn chowder), or Taste Bistro (lamb chops) also in PG. Some good French pastries (almond croissants) at Paris Bakery in Monterey. We also enjoy Abalonetti’s on the Monterey Wharf for their crab Louie or their crab and angel hair pasta. We have been to the fancy places, and just don’t enjoy them as much as these “hole in the wall” places. And good golf clothing at a discount at the Pebble Beach Factory Store down on Cannery Row in Monterey. It is always fun to make a run up and down Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel, even if we don’t buy anything.

Driving over from the Valley, rather than the Bay Area, the scenery will be much different. We can see how much water is stored in the San Luis Reservoir (back to normal). And maybe stop for hot cinnamon rolls at Eddie’s (NOT) in Los Banos.